Jeffrey L. Bender

Jeffrey L. Bender, 47, born and raised in Strasburg, and past resident in Garretsville, was taken to the Lord on Thursday evening, August 3, 2006 following an extended illness.

Born April 23, 1959 at Dover, he was the son of Ray & Mary Baker Bender of Strasburg.

Jeff was the loving father of three beautiful daughters, his most precious moments were those he spent with them. The importance of family instilled upon Jeff by his parents guided him throughout his life and his greatest pleasures in life were achieved during family functions and events.

Jeff was a career firefighter/paramedic with the Twinsburg Fire Department for nearly 13 years, where he attained the rank of Captain and was assigned to run the Fire Prevention Bureau after years of serving as a shift supervisor. Jeff began his career with the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Department in 1980 and had the honor of becoming that department�(TM)s very first paramedic and continued serving that community when his availability permitted.

Jeff�(TM)s passion for the fire service led him to continue his training and education at prestigious educational institutions, including the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he was a frequent scholar and met many individuals from around the nation. His knowledge of the National and Ohio Fire Codes was utilized in managing Twinsburg�(TM)s fire prevention bureau and helped to ensure safer occupancies and firefighters safety. He was a member of the National Fire Prevention Association.

Jeff was an avid reader of most anything and especially enjoyed fire/EMS articles, which kept his knowledge current. As a talented musician, Jeff learned to play the bagpipes and was a member of the Cleveland Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps with whom he marched to pay tribute to his firefighter brethren, including the first anniversary for members of FDNY who perished on 9-11 in New York City.

Jeff was also a part-time deputy with the Tuscarawas Sheriffs office.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Church at Dover.

In keeping with the rich Bender family tradition, Jeff was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party.

In addition to his parents, Jeff is survived by: three loving daughters, Elaine Averbukh of Millersburg, Nicole Bender of Millersburg, and Camaren Bender of Strasburg; two grandchildren, Natasha & Garbriel, whom he cherished; a brother, Greg Bender of Strasburg; his sister, Nancy (Andrew) Cregan of Navarre; special nieces and nephews, Sarah and Matt Bender, and Nicolette, Melissa, Andrew, and Ethan Cregan; and of course, his beloved dog Maxie.

A funeral mass celebrating Jeff�(TM)s life will be conducted Wednesday, August 9, at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Joseph Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, with Fr. William Arnold officiating. Interment will be in the Grandview Union Cemetery at Strasburg. Following the burial, the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Department will host a luncheon at the department�(TM)s social hall.

Friends may call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, 803 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. A Christian Wake service will be conducted at 8:45 p.m.

The Twinsburg Fire Department in coordination with the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Department is handling complete fire fighter honors.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Jeff by visiting the obituaries link on the funeral home�(TM)s website.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to: The American Liver Foundation, Ohio Chapter, 5755 Granger Rd., Suite 335, Independence, 44131, or to the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 167, Strasburg, 44680.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
(330) 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com